Texas Loses $300 Million in Special Ed Funding

School districts throughout Texas will need to secure millions of dollars for special education following a federal government decision to eliminate $300 million in funding to the state.

While the cuts stem from previous disagreements with the federal government, the sudden decision surprised multiple school districts.

“Had we known this in August or September, we probably would have made the adjustments at that time,” said Rene Barajas, deputy superintendent at Northside ISD.

The choice to cut these funds is forcing schools to consider huge potential cuts for kids in need.

Chip Roy Warns of Government Shutdown

U.S. Representative Chip Roy from Hays County, Texas is pushing for a government shutdown if Congress fails to enact more stringent border restrictions.

Roy states that the push is coming from his constituents: “…the people I represent, they’re like, ‘Good Lord, shut down the border or shut down the government…’”

Roy has spent the last week urging Congress to block legislation to fund the government until the Biden administration agrees to border security reform.

Third Arrest in Capital Murder Case

San Antonio police made a third arrest in the capital murder case of a pregnant 18-year-old woman, Savanah Soto, and her 22-year-old boyfriend, Matthew Guerra.

Myrta Romanos is charged with altering and moving a corpse, along with tampering with evidence. Surveillance video shows her leaving her home at the time of the murders, then returning home with two other suspects.

Law enforcement says the murders happened as the result of a drug deal gone bad, and the accused killer’s father is also being accused of helping to hide the two bodies.

Flying together with:

Did you know that 75% of wine drinkers get allergy-like symptoms from wine?

Wine-related side effects such as headaches, congestion, face flush, upset stomach, and hangovers are all caused by compounds called sulfites and histamines.

Until recently, there hasn’t been a way to remove these compounds from your wine.

Introducing The Wand: A portable wine purifier that removes over 95% of histamines AND sulfites from your glass of wine in minutes.

The Wand’s patented all-natural purification technology uses resin beads to actively absorb 95% of all sulfites and histamines from your wine. In fact, it’s the ONLY product on the market that can remove both of these compounds! The Wand…

• Reduces nasty side effects
• Enhances flavors and aromas
• Works with all wine (Red, white, rose, sparkling)
• Is easy to use

How does The Wand remove harmful compounds AND improve the flavor?

Watch this video and see for yourself!

➤ An El Paso man has been arrested for stalking pop star Shakira. 55-year old Daniel Valtier used social media to boast about his “marriage” to Shakira and plans to open a business with her. (More)

➤ Midland: In their January water bill, residents were informed that arsenic levels in the drinking water have surpassed the maximum contaminant level. Midland Utility Director Carl Craigo stated that arsenic levels have increased by 30%. (More)

➤ San Antonio: Aerial footage captured a two-alarm blaze consuming a downtown building. After 30 minutes, firefighters were able to put out the fire. The cause is under investigation. (Video)

➤ Corpus Christi: After two years of delay, Paz Magdaleno was sentenced to 35 years in federal prison for human trafficking and child exploitation. The 43-year-old was caught smuggling 20 people across the Texas border in 2021. (More)

➤ Waco:  Governor Greg Abbott will visit Waco to help launch Pat Curry‘s campaign for House District 56. Rocker Ted Nugent is scheduled to kick off the event with a guitar solo of The Star Spangled Banner. (More)

➤ Austin: A vicious machete assault resulted in the hospitalization of a teenager. Austin police have apprehended the suspect and characterized the incident as “random and unprovoked.” (More)

➤ Tyler: Road crews are preparing highways for the upcoming winter freeze. I-20 and other roadways will undergo pre-treatment using a brine solution, aimed at preventing ice and snow sticking to surfaces. (More)

➤ Lufkin native Ja’Lynn Polk, a wide receiver for the Washington Huskies, announced his plans to declare for the NFL draft. Per ESPN, Polk is a top 100 draft prospect. (More)

➤  Arlington ISD is paying their new superintendent $335,000. On Jan 30th, Matt Smith will begin his 3-year contract leading a district of 76 campuses and over 54,000 students. (More)

➤ Gainesville: The 5R Ranch, which spans 2,300 acres along four miles of the Red River, is available for $24.9 million. The property features private river beaches, 250 acres of agricultural land, and plenty of wildlife: hogs, turkeys, waterfowl, and white-tailed deer. (Pictures) 

➤ Galveston: Coyote sightings on the island have increased recently, capturing the attention of residents and visitors. These ‘ghost wolves’ have been credited with controlling the island’s rat and feral cat population. (More)

➤ Houston: The manager of a major development project at Bush Intercontinental Airport has resigned. Since 2018, millions have been spent to build a new terminal, with no progress made. (More)

➤ Houston Texans owner Janice McNair is opposing her son’s attempts to declare her incapacitated and in need of a permanent guardian. Robert McNair Jr. filed an application to control his mother’s personal, financial, & medical decisions. (More)

➤ The Dallas Cowboys are favored by 7.5 points over the Green Bay Packers in their wild-card matchup on Sunday. The game starts at 3:30 CT and will be shown on Fox. (See Odds)

➤ Houston Rocket Alperen Şengün has been named the Western Conference player of the week. He averaged 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists over four-game stretch. (More)

➤ Round Rock: A critical Samsung supplier, MSS International, has chosen Round Rock as its headquarters. The company president said he chose the location due to its business-friendly environment. (More)

➤ San Antonio: Whataburger is seeking a $340 million loan to cut down on interest expenses on current debt. (More)

➤ Pearland: Cookie Jar, a veteran-owned cookie shop, has recently opened its doors. Co-owner Stephanie Carcano says she tests new recipes on her family each week. (More)

The Wand was developed by a father and son team, Dr. David Meadows and his son Derek.

Both father and son suffered from wine headaches. Like true scientists, they didn’t suffer in silence — they set out to understand the problem and to solve it.

Together, father and son spent two years in the laboratory looking for a solution to the side effects of wine. The ‘Eureka moment’ came one day in the lab when David and Derek found the precise means to selectively remove histamines and sulfites without otherwise changing the chemistry of wine.

“We could see that our filtration was working, but when we tried that big, bold Cab and it was every bit as delicious as it was in the tasting room in Napa, we knew we had it,” says David.

➤ Arlington: After 28 years of restrictions, Arlington Cemetery is now offering new burials in the historical site. Per state law, historic cemeteries must be owned and maintained for 25 years before new plots can be sold. (More)

➤  Lubbock: As winter engulfs Texas, it’s time to get ready for the cold months that lie ahead. Here’s a list of nine portable space heaters to keep you cozy without breaking your budget. (See the list)

➤ Houston: On January 15th, the MLK Grande Parade will be held in Midtown Houston. An estimated 300,000 people are expected to attend the event. (More)

➤ Bastrop: The historical Bastrop Opera House will be hosting Freaky Friday the musical. The show will last from January 19th through February 4th. (More)

➤ San Antonio: Monster Jam returns to the Alamodome on January 13th and 14th. Fourteen trucks will be competing this season. (See list of drivers)

 What’s the best Texan Beer Brand?

1. Shiner Bock
2. Revolver
3. Saint Arnold
4. Lone Pint
5. Martin House

Wednesday’s Results:

What’s your favorite Western set in Texas?

1. Lonesome Dove: 31.8%
2. Rio Bravo: 19.7%
3. Giant: 18.9%
4. The Searchers: 15.3%
5. Red River: 14.3%

Who is regarded as the father of the Texas Rangers?

Show me the answer